Play-off heartache left in past by flying Loons

AIRDRIEONIANS 0 FORFAR ATHLETIC 1

Chris Templeman says a perfect start to the season shows Forfar have put their play-off final heartbreak behind them.

The Loons were denied a place in the Championship after Alloa staged a remarkable second-leg recovery. But there has been no hangover and progress in both the Petrofac Cup and League Cup was followed up with a League One victory at New Broomfield on Saturday.

Templeman bagged the winner after just 88 seconds and reckons his side will be one of a clutch of clubs challenging for a top-four finish.

He said: “It’s a good start to the season for us. I thought we did well in the first half whereas Airdrie were better in the second half.

“We’ve put what happened behind us. That’s football and its about focusing on how far we can go this season.

“There are a lot of good teams in the league and you have to play well every week to get a result.

“I don’t think there is anything between any of the teams as was the case last season.

“Dunfermline have started really well but I think even they will find it tough at times.”

Templeman earned his side the win when he headed home from Danny Denholm’s cross after the winger showed Jamie Bain a clean pair of heels.

But he admitted to getting a bit of help from the elements as he scored the fastest goal of his career.

The 35-year-old added: “I think the ball moved in the air a wee bit. The centre-back seemed to have it but the wind caught it and it came back to me.

“I’ve not scored a quicker goal than that so it is a new record for me.

“It normally takes me 88 seconds to get that far up the park!”

Airdrie pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half with Forfar keeper Rab Douglas twice denying Liam Watt and tipping over from Bryan Prunty.

But even when the former Dundee and Celtic stopper was beaten, the home side couldn’t find the breakthrough as Iain Campbell cleared Sean Crighton’s header off the line in the closing stages.

Loons boss Dick Campbell said: “I thought we were outstanding in the first half. We scored one but could have had a few more. It’s a great start.”

Chris Templeman: netted winner in only the second minute.